Vision Navigated Stormy '02.(A)

Byline: IBD STAFF

Business faced tough challenges in 2002; a bear market in its third year running, the fallout from 9-11, the threat of impending war and a worldwide recession.

But some chief executives steered their companies through the treacherous economic straits with finesse. They managed to keep their firms on top despite tough times and lagging consumer confidence.

Here are Investor's Business Daily's top five CEOs of 2002. The list was compiled by reviewing Leaders & Success articles on current CEOs. After examining the candidates, staff chose corporate leaders who best exemplified the vision, initiative and drive needed to be successful.

There are no rankings of those included on the list. Every CEO we've deemed a top leader has a unique way of making his company shine.

** Steve Odland: At AutoZone (AZO), Odland isn't the only one with "CEO" on his business card. He shares the title with 40 others.

Why? When Odland took over as CEO in January 2001, he noticed that everyone at the company was looking for direction.